"I never would have imagined or dreamed that so much could be learned, that so much improvement was possible taking online classes, while also having so much fun! Lisa's exquisite ability, talent and sensitivity to us students makes learning individually within the group, and learning as a group, possible. She skillfully, patiently, and creatively manages to meet each and every one of us exactly where we are at, quickly identifies where we need help, and adapts her teaching style to our different styles of learning. It's pretty amazing to experience and to witness!"
- Angela-Ruth Idelson
Teaching history
Lisa has been teaching for most of her life. Her deep skill has brought her to workshops around the world including residencies in St Petersburg, Russia, London, Montreal, Paris, Seattle, and her hometown NYC. She has coached children, applicants for college, professional colleagues, and has been Music Director for shows including the Tony-award winning Indecent (which gives her great knowledge on how to prep for an audition.) She has even worked with Steven Soderbergh and other directors to help actors look like they play the violin. At the very beginning of the pandemic Lisa moved her in-person workshop to an online platform and she has been teaching online ever since, as well as in her West Village apartment in NYC. Lisa specializes in helping people learn by ear - in any style of music that they play - and continues to lead weekly online workshops for Klezmer and Irish music for all instruments.
In-Person or Online Private Lessons:
in Lisa’s NYC (West Village) home, or in yours
on Zoom, Skype, or Facetime
varied lesson lengths, sliding scale and barters are possible
CONTACT LISA TO SCHEDULE A LESSON
“My goal is to hone your listening skills so that you can not only learn tunes easily, but hear and sound out nuances. I have very specific techniques that have been developed over a lifetime and I have never failed to help a student play by ear!” - Lisa Gutkin
ONLINE CLASSES ARE FOR ALL INSTRUMENTS (EXCEPT THE TECHNIQUE CLASS)
Klezmer By Ear - learn how to wean yourself from sheet music, increase your Klezmer repertoire, study the ornamentation and phrasing of the music, and gain a basic understanding of chords.
Klezmer Core Study - a deep dive into the stylings of the masters of Klezmer via detailed study of small sections of tunes.
Tunes Around the World - an easy going space to share and learn traditional and original tunes from divergent cultures. Submit a tune for Lisa to study first and then you can help her teach it to the others (especially if it is a music she does not know.)
Klezmer Jam Lab (Klezmer for Teens) - for students who want to learn the music of the Klezmer ancestors and bring it into their own musical world. Taught by pioneer and Grammy winner Lisa Gutkin, with occasional surprise guests, this workshop will highlight melodies that can be adapted to fit your arrangement ideas.
Violin Technique (Free) - Tips on shifting, intonation, bowing, posture, dexterity, etc. and how things change depending on the style you are playing. Other bowed instruments welcome.
Irish Tune Class - Take your Irish playing to another level - learn the secret of the lilt, how to vary the melody, how to learn tunes by ear, and how to make a tune your own.
Ensemble Coaching - Lisa can ZOOM watch your group’s rehearsal (or live if she’s near) and give tips on arrangements, style, intonation, repertoire, rhythm, etc.
SPONSOR A STUDENT!!
Thanks to the generosity of two donors who independently approached Lisa on the subject, she has started a scholarship program with the goal of bringing Klezmer music to those who might not have access to it. Lisa currently has 3 scholarship students. They are absolutely amazing. They work hard, are sounding beautiful, and are preparing to bring traditional music to their local senior centers.
Please consider donating to the program. The rewards reaped will be greater than you can imagine.
And if you need to a scholarship in order to afford lessons, please contact Lisa as well.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Mondays:
12:30-1:45pm ET - Klezmer by Ear (75 min/subscription)
8:00-9:15pm ET - Klezmer by Ear (75 min/subscription)
Tuesdays:
1:30pm-2:45pm ET - Klezmer Core Study (75 min/subscription)
Wednesdays:
3:30pm-4:30pm ET - Irish Tune Class (60 min/subscription or drop in)
POP UP CLASSES:
Violin Technique
Tunes Around the World
Klezmer Jam Lab - for Teens
Ensemble & Private Coaching
Monthly subscriptions include:
a free trial class, weekly classes, an occasional mini private lesson if needed, and access to an ever growing library of workshop and archival recordings.
Lisa’s incredible ear learning method for hearing and remembering tunes works for anyone - regardless of their technical ability to play an instrument. And Lisa loves to teach it!
Subscribe below, or come take your first (free) class, and then subscribe!
“Lisa is the VERY BEST teacher I have ever had the pleasure to learn with” - Robin Mader, KlezKanada
CONTACT FOR ZOOM LINKS and come take your first class (free.)
Lisa on DVD!
Available from Homespun Music in hard copy as well as digital download. Click here form more info.
Check out a sample of the DVD in the video on the right
DVD cover by: Happy Traum